1782 : the Treaty of Paris recognizes the independence of the United States of America (formerly the 13 Colonies). Québec loses the Ohio valley and many American settlers, wishing to remain loyal to the crown of England (the 6000 Loyalists) flee the new country and move north towards Canada. From that moment, the inhabitants of Canada will no longer be exclusively Natives and French-speakers, for better and for worse, they will now have English neighbors. But it is important to remember that, for more than a century, the French-speakers will remain the only ones to call themselves "Canadiens".
1783: England is forced to sign a peace treaty with France and Spain, thus recognising United States independance. This signature occurs during the preparations of a French military expedition. Under the command of Lafayette, its objective was to reconquer Canada and Jamaica with the help of the Spanish.
Lower Canada
The new English settlers are immediately displeased with this "all-too French Canada" and reject the seigneurial regime and the French laws. They demand a seperate district. Thus begins a long power struggle that still exists today. Canada is finally separated in two; Upper Canada (now Ontario, about 10,000 inhabitants) and Lower Canada (now Québec, 150,000 "habitants").
|
 |